Adopting A Kitten

So you want to adopt a kitten or you may be thinking about adopting a kitten. This might be your first time or even your third time adopting. There are many factors you may have never even thought of when it comes to adopting that sweet kitten looking back at you. Here I will break down the questions you should be asking and some fun tidbits to get you on your way.

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So you've found the perfect kitten and your ready to say those magical words, " I would like to adopt this kitten." 

Before you get that kittens hopes up there are a few questions you need to ask the shelter associate or the person managing the adoptions. 

Has this kitten been a foster? 

If so what other animals did this kitten live with and what conditions?

Has this kitten ever had any type of diseases upon capture?

What type of breed of cat is this kitten?

You may be asking yourself, why does this even matter? 

These questions are important because they set the stage for the care of your new kitten. If a kitten has been in foster care it is extremely important to ask what animals the kitten has lived with during foster care and how well did it do. This will help you especially if you have other animals at home. Also it is important to know that the rescue is very picky about who can become a foster. You want to hope your kittens journey thus far hasn't been to traumatic. Next is disease, most kittens who are captured typically will have some type of issue before being put up for adoption such as ear mites or worms. That is ok and is normal. But it is very important to know all the details for future problems as your kitten matures. This is also why it is important to ask about the breed mix if it is known. Some breeds are more prone to health issues than others and you want to know you can provide for these problems. Understanding these questions helps cats and kittens truly get a forever home.

So do you still want to adopt this precious kitten? Of course you do. Next you may be met with a application. It is very important you answer these questions honestly. Please do not lie on these applications because it can make the adoption a lot harder on you and the kitten you are trying to adopt. The next very important order of business is the adoption fee. It is considered very disrespectful to complain about adoption fees. These fees typically include all up to date shots and future boosters, Spay or Neuter, Microchip, De-worming, and some even include a bag of food. Fees can range from twenty five dollars all the way to eighty five dollars and up. These fees are put to good use. If you are ever unsure about a adoption fee, never hesitate to ask what it covers. Some shelters even offer a credit. What is a credit? A credit is when a family has adopted a pet and took it home and it is not working out. The family can bring the pet back and receive a credit toward a different animal at the shelter. Shelters usually have a 7 day grace period for the animal to be returned. 

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So you've been approved to adopt. The next step is taking your new bundle of joy home. Please keep in mind some shelters have not yet preformed the spay or neuter so you may have to wait a few days to pick up your new family member. 

This is essentially great because it allows time to go purchase the items you need for your new kitten. The next questions should be..

What kind of litter?

What type of food?

Should I buy a cat condo?

What should I do about my kittens nails?

These questions sound simple but alas the many options at your local pet store. First things first the litter and litter pan. Based on the breed of your cat this will be very helpful. For example if you have a Siamese mix you know your cat has a sensitive respiratory system so only non dust and natural litters should be used. Your litter pan should also be purchased to accommodate your kitten as they grow. Second is food, I can never stress enough to owners to feed your kitten, kitten food. You want your kitten to reach its full potential and feeding kitten food is the only way this is going to happen. Quality vs Quantity also plays a huge role. Try to avoid heavily dyed foods and foods that contain many fillers. Sacrificing that one Starbucks coffee a week for a month will enable you to purchase a premium food. Third is the kitten castle / cat condo. These can be expensive but a life saver for your furniture. This isn't a must but a option. This should never take priority over better litter and food options. Lastly your kittens nails. I bet you forgot about those haven't you? A nice scratching post is a must and is much cheaper then a condo. You are also going to need to purchase kitten nail clippers. They sell clippers based upon your kittens life stage. Please make sure they are for kitten nails. Another option is nail caps. I love these and have used them in the past. They are a good training tool. You must start your kitten out with nail caps during that first week home. This is essential during the bonding and trusting faze of your new kitten. Take your time and as your kitten grows you will never have a issue with doing any nails. Plus these nail caps come in a wide range of colors even glow in the dark.

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In conclusion, having fun and staying patient with your new kitten is essential. Your kitten has to learn the rules of the house and you will have to learn to repeat the steps many times with out becoming angry. Kittens can be very forgetful. Never be harsh or scary to a kitten, it can effect them as they mature. As a kitten everything is new and vibrant even those nice electrical cords tucked behind the television. The first few weeks can be a handful but don't worry everything will smooth out as your kitten learns. 

Understanding you may have to adjust your household for the kitten is a first step in cat ownership. Compromising plays a huge roll for any cat owner. If you are new to having a kitten as part of the family, this may be hard on you at first but you can overcome. Stay patient and think of a solution that works for everyone. 

Now go make some memories. 

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